Have you noticed that menswear has become more and more predominant in the fashion world as well as everyday life in the past couple of years?  Isn’t it magnificent?!  No longer are men just throwing their clothes on in the morning and looking all sorts of sloppy and unkempt.  No, no.  Men are taking notice of all the great RTW and up and coming designers and are responding by more frequently playing with color, texture, form, and accoutrements.  It’s definitely a more involved approach to getting dressed, but whether you blame the popularity of Mad Men or plain boredom- the times are a changing and men have once again begun caring about how something looks on them and searching for their style.  They aren’t really talking about it, if you asked them what their style is they would probably look blankly at you and shrug.  But quietly, they are working it out.

Don’t believe me.  Just check out some of these GREAT San Francisco Menswear shops:

Acrimony, Aksel Paris, Dept 17, Taylor Stitch, & Unionmade

Tell them Q the Stylist sent you!!

LOOK BY TAYLOR STITCH

–Q the Stylist

From art to fashion all throughout the past decades, the Vintage Fashion Expo comes to the Concourse on Brennan St. in San Francisco just twice a year – but it is well worth monopolizing those weekends of mine!   Whenever I walk in I get a feeling of pure joy for knowing that I am about to see and touch are beautiful pieces of history.  This event is almost like a trade show, with tons of booths from all over the U.S. (with a heavy California representation).  Some of the vendors who showcase their items have their own storefronts and others sell online, however many only sell at expo’s like these so the selection is always spectacular!

This particular event, which is also held twice a year in Santa Monica, is all about fashion and jewelry and you can find nearly every decade of fashion and culture imaginable at this one event.  And the one of a kind pieces I found were extraordinary.   By the end I had bought a fabulous Kimono, an agate navajo ring, and an adorable cream summer sweater with metallic gold stripes.  TDF!    For those of you who are obsessed with all things vintage, you need to check out the next event and get to know even more about the spectacular world of vintage clothing!  Here is a little sneak peak at some of the great finds this Expo had, enjoy!

–Q the Stylist

September 2011′s 7×7 cover story is the beautiful Maggie Rizer shot by Chad Riley- who also shot the underwater photos in my gallery.  This issue includes 7×7′s annual Best-Dressed List, which includes: Maggie Rizer, Ken Fulk, Chloé Harris, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Joe Haller & Ian Hannula, Simon Ungless, and Keylee Sanders.  A fantastic list and a great inspirational issue!  But what made me giggle with joy was to read Robin Rinaldi’s editor letter describing her fashion epiphany:

“People frequently say fashion is about self-expression… But I think it goes deeper than that.  In a sped-up, often chotic world, fashion is, at its root, about a sense of self-control…  Every choice you make while standing in front of your closet is a direct act of self-determination.  Say you want to stay warm or cheer your self up with color.  Perhaps you’re feeling a little insecure, but that bold belt always seems to up your confidence.  Maybe it’s a day why you stimply need your favorite jeans, or you’re finally ready to don those earrings your ex gave you, which you dared not touch for six months.   Our clothes communicate so much more about us that just our taste.  What we value, where our boundaries are, and how we see ourselves with in the many social groups we inhabit – are just a few of the issues we address when we dress.  Most comforting, at least to me, is that regardless of what’s happing out in the big, wide world, we can choose, every day, to create a small, personal universe of beauty and order that we wear up against our skin.  That is by no means a superficial endeavor.  It’s art.”

I couldn’t agree more!  Which is why I love helping people in their wardrobes and closets.

Thank you Robin!  Keep up the outstanding work at 7x7SF.

–Q the Stylist

I’m thrilled to report that I have partnered with DailyCandy DEALS to bring you my personal wardrobe styling services at an unbelievable rate.  Now through September 6, 2011 you can get a Closet Consultation (3 Hours) or a complete WARDROBE OVERHAUL (10 Hours) at 50% off!  Just another great reason to finally stop wondering… “What am I going to wear??” and “Does this look good on me??”

This is the perfect way to edit your wardrobe, find outfits you didn’t know you had, and get organized.  And, it’s also just in time to make any key additions from the latest Fall collections.  To purchase –  click right here.

Hurry!  The deal only runs through September 6th!

–Q the Stylist

Left: Bolero of garnet velvet and black jet embroidery, winter 1947. Collection of The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Photograph by Craig McDean. Center: Detail of evening bolero jacket of burgundy silk velvet and jet and passementerie embroidery by Bataille, winter 1946. Collection of Hamish Bowles. Photo by Kenny Komer. Right: Scarlet silk ottoman evening coat with capelet collar, autumn/winter 1954–1955. Collection of The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photograph by Craig McDean

How can  you leave the streets of San Francisco and quickly enter into a piece of Heaven?

My answer, a visit to Balenciaga and Spain at the De Young.  In all honesty, there are no words to explain how visually exquisite this exhibition was.

My eyes couldn’t take in all the beauty.  The integrated textiles, details, and fusion of intense design in which all these garments were created shows what an incredible genius Cristóbal Balenciaga was and still lives on in our everyday design esthetics.

Cristóbal was quite the jet-setter for those days and those long trips abroad offered him access to textiles and trades from India, Germany, and China by way of the Philippines.  The inspiration lead to experimentation that brought together rich color, conscientious hand, and visual details to his creations.

There were many moments that I stood in complete awe of Balenciaga’s world and mind.

It’s incredible to imagine what more he could have done now that we have unlimited access to trades and textiles from around the world?

–Q the Stylist

I’d like to notify the Missoni family that I am voluntarily putting myself up for adoption.  E ‘troppo bello!!

–Q the Stylist

So the 4th of July has come and gone and hopefully you took full advantage of that summer heat wave that struck.  I actually missed the heat wave in SF because I was down in Santa Monica which was perhaps the only place that was overcast on July 3rd.  Boo for me.  Now back in SF, I’m waiting for the next day that tops 80 so that I can wear some SHORTS.   I don’t love shorts, but to me they translate to summer and hot.  And I do love those things.  So, even though shorts can be tricky, they make still me happy.

Below are some perennial favorite looks utilizing shorts.  A simple white pair of shorts screams SUMMER and these uber sexy, high waisted pair from H&M really do the trick.  I like the deep red top pictured with these, but consider pairing them with a bright green or blue top.  Think about it.  And just TRY not to add a a hammock and a popsicle to the picture.

Additionally, every time I am packing for a warm destination- I can’t resist throwing in a shorts with a great print to them.  I have a pair from J.Crew from years ago that have this insane vintage batik print to them in calypso colors and because of all the colors in them I can consistently pair them with the season’s current color trend.  Fab!   I passed the Lucky store on Chestnut the other day and saw my shorts long lost twin!  They call them the Dispatcher Vintage Print short – see them here: http://bit.ly/q2fB4R.  Mine have more vibrant colors- but still a doppleganger.   Additionally, I love these African tribal print shorts featured recently in Lucky magazine.  (ha- no relation to the store…)  See how versatile that print can be?

Other tips for shorts:

• Add long pieces of jewelry to elongate the body

• Add high heels if you want to dress them up

• And adding a jacket or cardigan will further complete your look.

HAPPY SUMMER!!

–Q the Stylist

Designer Louisa Parris, like me, has great taste in places she likes to call home.  She divides her time between San Francisco and London, and finds that residing in SF helps her focus on designing.  Our local darling keeps it chic and simple yet eloquent by really focusing on color, her light filled Noe Valley apartment helps with inspiration and her new line this year will bring us scarves and hats.  Very Londontown! I might say.  Will Fascinators be on the way??  Only time will tell.

Cheers Louisa!

Check out more of Louisa Parris:  http://www.louisaparris.com

–Q the Stylist

1. The Boot Cut Jean

Because everything is about the Skinny jean right now and however many you like to own you still need to be practical, and one jean look isn’t enough a nice option to your wardrobe, and the boot cut jean is a timeless classic that doesn’t age you.  These can be the foundation for a really clean look.

2.The Striped Tee

Stripes are not one size fits all. Stripes have to fit the shape of the garment as well as your shape. This can be done in many colors that flatter you personally. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different size stripes.

3.The Army Jacket

To update this timeless classic don’t just pair it with jeans, add an evening dress.

4.The Slouchy Cardigan

Especially in San Francisco this classic is a must have to our revolving weather.  This piece finishes off any outfit like a sundress with boots throw on this cardigan or
skinny cargo pants and a fitted top.

5.The Motorcycle Boot

Idea of a boot is to have go-to footwear to stomp around a city like SF or any urban terrain, without being forced to wear trainers. The motorcycle boot may not fit everyones personal style, so a wedge boot or a lady like boot with a kitten heel are great options too.

Employing these pieces during a sight-seeing day-about-town will allow you to actually FRAME some photos you take that day.  Always fun. =)

–Q the Stylist

Mad Men fever commence!!  I know I’m not the only one that has been dreaming (yes, actual dreams) about Mad Men since it has been on hiatus.  I’m actually shocked at how much time I have spent thinking about, talking about, and searching for Mad Men news.   Lo, I’ve talked about this with many a friend and bloggers alike have verified that their days- waking and dreaming have been tortured by the show’s characters, plots, and oh-the-wardrobe!! On a recent trip to L.A., I even went vintage shopping to hunt for some gems that would help me recapture the golden days of Mad Men in my own life and came upon Hubba Hubba, which Janie shops at for costuming.   What a thrill indeed!!

Huffington Post’s, Nour Akkad, catches up with a true hero of mine Janie Bryant and talks all things Mad Men and stylish!

Only 4 more days!! Thank the Heavens Girdles!

Mad Men‘s Janie Bryant Talks About Peggy’s New Hair, Her Mod line,

and Vintage Shopping (PHOTOS)

The season 4 premiere of Mad Men is less than a week away and I, along with thousands of others, can no longer control the excitement. While many of the obsessed fans have been trying to figure out the latest clues from the sneak peak photos and videos, I’ve been dreaming about sheath dresses and kitten heels. The genius behind those costumes is designer Janie Bryant.

Janie Bryant wearing a necklace from her Mod collection (Copyright © Donato Sardella; Courtesy of WWD / Conde Nast)

Bryant is already having quite a year: getting nominated for her 2nd Emmy for the pop culture phenomenon that is Mad Men, launching her own clothing line, and penning her first book.

Below, I talk with Bryant about the ensembles we can expect this upcoming season, her new clothing line, and where, oh where we can get that Mad Men look.

* * *

Nour Akkad: First of all Janie, congratulations on your Emmy nomination for outstanding costumes for Mad Men! How does it feel?

Janie Bryant: It feels great. I’m really excited.

NA: What kind of fashion can we expect this season? Are we going to see the fashion go mod? Will the hemlines be shrinking? Will Peggy shock us all and wear a miniskirt?

JB: [Laughs] Well, I wish I could tell you about this season but I can’t say anything. I can tell you a couple of things but I really can’t go into too much about what the audience will see. I think as far as our principle characters, their costumes and their styles are established. I talk a lot about how change takes time and I always like to mimic that subject within the costume design. For new styles, I always like to implement the new fashions with the new characters, new day players, and really use it that way. With the principle cast, I think it’s like everyone’s closet — you get new pieces, you keep the old, you combine the two — and that is really how I approach my job as costume designer.

Mad Men cast. (Photo by Frank Ockenfels/AMC)

NA: Is there one character whose style will be changing the most?

JB: We’ll definitely see new things for Betty and we’ll definitely be seeing new things for Peggy. There’s a little bit of a shift for Joan as well, and for Jon Hamm (Don), and for Pete. It will be interesting to see what the audience notices. You know I always think the show is subtle and the subtleties are what make is so great. That’s true within how Matt (Weiner) writes the show, how the production design works with the costume design, and how the cinematography is. I think it all works together in its subtleties.

NA: Speaking of change, the sneak peak photos are out for season 4 and people are buzzing about Peggy’s new hairdo! How does that represent a change in her life?

JB: I think for every season, Peggy is the character that really shifts the most and I just think that really continues.

Peggy Olson (Photo by Mike Yarish/AMC)

NA: How do you think fashion in general represents change in people’s lives?

JB: That’s a good question, Nour. Do you mean Mad Men style specifically or do you mean fashion in general?

NA: Both

JB: I think that there has been a real shift in people wanting to dress up more and I love that because I love dressing up. I think it’s great that it has really caught on and I think that people express themselves through fashion. It really communicates a story about somebody. We often see how people put things together, if it’s a real passion for them, or of they don’t really care, or maybe they don’t know. There are so many different aspects to how fashion communicates.

NA: What about in terms of Mad Men?

JB: I think people have really responded to the Mad Men style so much because of the beauty of that period — like all of the printed silks, and ladylike silhouettes, and the minimal streamline aspects of the men’s suit and tailoring — I think it’s a really beautiful, elegant period. Also, still, those silhouettes are very accessible today. They are really the classics, unless you go into the real vintage, the more architectural silhouettes of Cardin, and Courreges, and Givenchy of the iconic sixties silhouettes that are more structural.

NA: Do you think that is why people have resonated so much with the show and your designs?

JB: I think so, I do. I think that people have really discovered that dressing up and looking great really is fun and also, I think that when you feel great you have a different perspective on your day.

Mad Men‘s Joan, Peggy, and Betty (Photos Courtesy of AMC)

NA: What has been your biggest costume challenge?

JB: There’s so many on a day-to-day basis of Mad Men. I always feel the pressure when there are a lot of characters in one scene — a lot of the principle characters with the day players with a lot of the background. I always think of that as a well-coordinated dance and just to have all those elements working together are usually the most high-pressure times. It gets complicated, and then if one thing is out of place it can bug me a little, but I guess the audience will never know, right?

NA: Does Matt (Weiner) notice?

JB: [Laughs] You know sometimes he does. Sometimes he’ll point out some things and I’m like, ugh, God I know, that didn’t happen that day. But we all try our best and it all works out very well.

NA: In a recent interview with LA Times Magazine, Christina Hendricks said the undergarments in Mad Men have given a her a little war wound, why were underclothes in the 1960′s so uncomfortable?

JB: Well, the materials. They’re wearing girdles and also underneath the girdle is a little garter sewed under the girdle and that garter rubs the skin sometimes.

NA: I know you’ve talked about how you think it’s so important for the actors to not only feel the characters from the outside but from inside as well.

JB: It’s true. I think it’s an interesting thing for actors to transform themselves and to go back in time. I always feel it’s very important to me for them to have that experience — to go through what a woman would go through during that period. I’ve said older actresses always tell me “Oh my God, we weighed twenty pounds and we still wore our girdles.” You wouldn’t go out of the house without your proper foundations. And it’s also important for the fit of the clothing. Vintage clothing is constructed differently than our clothing today and that’s how the garments fit properly over the figure.

NA: Everyone, and I seriously mean everyone is so excited because your new collection called Mod is launching in September on QVC. What was your inspiration behind your clothing line and how much of it was influenced by Mad Men?

JB: It’s definitely vintage inspired and I just designed pieces that I really love from periods of the 50′s and 60′s so it’s not Mad Men, it’s vintage inspired but the pieces are real statement pieces and I think they can change one’s look in an instant. The pieces are really fun. I love the jewelry. I love the handbag too.

NA: In your line you have about 10 to 15 pieces of jewelry and one handbag, correct?

JB: Yes and then outerwear, and jackets, and cardigans. And there is a pair of cigarette pants as well.

NA: Also you wrote a style guide due out this fall titled The Fashion File. Can you give us a little preview of the kind of advice Mad Men fashionistas can expect from the book?

JB: The book really is about how to become your own leading lady and how to express yourself through style. There’s a chapter on vintage. There are also a lot of tips like how to have the proper undergarments, the right fit, inspirations and advice that I use in my own personal experience, and mainly I really feel like the book just has an overall message about feeling great about yourself.

NA: Where are your favorite places to shop for vintage clothing and accessories?

JB: Well, of course for Mad Men I use the rental houses a lot and there are so many special surprises there because they have a huge collection for our industry. I’ve met a lot of vendors from the Rose Bowl (flea market) that happens once a month here in Pasadena. And I go to a store called Hubba Hubba a lot. I go to Playclothes a lot but the Rose Bowl is a great place.

NA: Is there a certain piece of clothing or accessory you can’t live without?

JB: High heels in general, for sure. And I love big necklaces but I’m always changing what that is. It sort of depends on my mood. This year I’ve been wearing them a lot. I’m sort of fickle but definitely high heels are always the mainstay. People always make fun of me on set, “How do you wear those?” I’m not sure if it was because I was a ballerina as a child or what. I pretty much tell my mother that I was born with high heels.

Mad Men premiers Sunday, July 25th at 10pm/9C on AMC

–Q the Stylist